Bengali literature has given birth to some of the most famous spies, such as Byomkesh Bakshi, Feluda, Masood Rana, Misr Ali, Kakababu and many more. Bengal has undoubtedly carved a unique niche for itself in the field of Indian detective fiction, and this prominence can be attributed to several factors. The region saw significant social and political upheavals, including the partition of India, creating a backdrop full of intrigue, mystery and hidden agendas – perfect material for detective fiction. Kolkata, with its colonial architecture, bustling bazaars and hidden alleys, provides an interesting setting for these stories.
Another attempt to tell a detective story in the Indian entertainment industry has been made with the series Shekhar Home, set in the early 1990s – a period known for its unique charm and simplicity. On paper, the show has all the elements that will attract and intrigue the audience. However, does it really live up to the expectations set by the legacy of iconic detectives associated with Bengali fiction? Let’s dig deeper to find out.
the story
Set in the quiet Bengali town of Lonpur in the early 1990s, Shekhar Home is a reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic British character, Sherlock Holmes. The show pays homage to a time when technology did not exist, and human intelligence was the only tool. KK Menon plays the lead role of Shekhar Home, a cynical yet brilliant man. They cross paths with Jayawarat Sahni, played by Ranveer Shorey, who is Dr. John H. There is a new version of Watson. Sahni, a middle-aged bachelor and ex-army doctor, becomes an unlikely ally for Shekhar. Together, they embark on a journey to solve mysteries in eastern India, dealing with cases ranging from blackmail and murder to the supernatural.
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Shekhar Home’s main problem is its inability to develop its characters and their motivations. The protagonist, Shekhar, remains a mystery throughout the series, with little or no character development. Even worse are the performances of the supporting cast, reduced to mere caricatures with predictable actions and dialogue. Except for a twist or two, the mysteries themselves are predictable and lack the complexity needed to keep the audience interested. The show’s attempts to blend elements of mystery, drama, and even romance feel forced and incoherent.
Another disadvantage of the show is its runtime. Each episode lasts between 39 to 45 minutes, and the makers have opted for an anthology format where each episode presents a new case to solve, with a major threat brewing in the background for Shekhar and Jayawarat.
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However, if we look at Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock series, each episode was presented like a standalone film. Both Shekhar and the audience need enough time to introduce, understand and resolve the new matter. Every case in Shekhar Home is shown to be hasty, often leading to conclusions that are not always reliable or trustworthy.
Directing and writing
Shekhar Home’s direction is weak with little visual brilliance or creativity. The series relies heavily on predictable camera angles and editing techniques, resulting in a visceral experience and it is surprising that Rohan Sippy (Bluffmaster) and Sreejith Mukherjee (Begum Jaan, Shabaash Mithu) Big directors like are associated with this series.
The writing is equally disappointing with clichéd dialogues and plot points. The show’s attempts to create suspenseful moments fall flat due to poor execution. The pacing is inconsistent, with some episodes dragging on for too long while others skip important plot developments. The series seems to have been made in a hurry without proper development, resulting in it feeling like an unfinished and half-baked product.
Actors acting
The series features a talented cast including Ranveer Shorey, Rasika Dugal, Keerti Kulhari and Shekhar Hom with KK Menon in lead roles. Normally, this level of talent is enough to carry any performance, but unfortunately, that’s not the case here. Due to the writing, there is very little scope for anyone else to shine apart from KK Menon and Ranveer Shorey. While the chemistry between these two leads shows some promise, it’s not enough to sustain interest throughout the show.
Actors like Shorey, Rasika and Keerthy should get better material. Their characters are poorly written and lack meaningful development, except for the final twist or revelation that the show seems to hinge on. While there are some standout performances on occasion, they are overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the show. Keerti Kulhari, who plays Mumtaz, seems to be just playing her character, her dialogues are rarely spoken. The supporting cast, which includes names like Shernaz Patel, Divyendu Bhattacharya and Rasika Dugal, while competent, are given little material to work with.
Which series should be watched?
Shekhar Home is a missed opportunity. With its talented cast and brilliant premise, it had the potential to become the Indian ‘Sherlock’. Unfortunately, it falls short at every level. The stories are simply uninteresting, the characters are flat and the direction and writing are poor. It’s a painful reminder that a good cast doesn’t guarantee a good show. If you are a fan of detective stories or enjoy the genre, or if you are attracted to the star-studded cast, you can stream Shekhar Home on Jio Cinemas.
